US Navy issues Draft EA for basing of new V-22 Osprey aircraft

The US Navy has released a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) relating to the home-basing of the V-22 Osprey aircraft.

The new V-22 Osprey is currently slated to be based at existing West and East Coast Fleet Logistics Centers, Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island in California and Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.

Proposals for the provision for facilities and functions are included in the Draft EA, which are intended to support the replacement of the traditional C-2A Greyhound with the new CMV-22B Osprey aircraft.

"The V-22 22 tilt-rotor aircraft is anticipated to help the navy meet operational requirements and improve its logistics support missions upon deployment."

The introduction of the V-22 Osprey aircraft is expected to have minor impacts on the environment and local community, according the assessment highlighted in the preliminary document.

A total of 27 units of C-2A that are currently operated by the navy’s existing fleet logistics support squadrons will be replaced by 38 units of V-22 under the initiative, which are to be operated by fleet logistics support multi-mission squadrons.

The V-22 22 tilt-rotor aircraft is anticipated to help the navy meet operational requirements and improve its logistics support missions upon deployment.

Furthermore, the aircraft will be used to deliver personnel, mail and cargo to and from US Navy aircraft carriers from land-based supply centres in Norfolk and San Diego.

The US navy had also proposed to establish a maintenance school and built new accommodation for squadron aircraft and staff, as well as adjust personnel levels in relation to the new aircraft training squadron and maintenance school.

It also intends to conduct V-22 flight operations in support of the development.

The navy is now set to conduct two public meetings to provide information and gather feedback regarding the Draft EA.